Maddy summarySB 406 updates Michigan's firearm exemption rules by amending sections 231 and 237a of the penal code and repealing outdated provisions. It adds a training requirement for certain exemptions in section 231 (e.g., corrections employees must complete weapon use training) and clarifies school zone exemptions in section 237a. The bill specifically allows security personnel, licensed carry holders, and hunters transporting firearms under defined conditions (e.g., unloaded in a trunk for hunting trips) to carry weapons on school property without penalty. It directly affects law enforcement, corrections staff, security contractors, and hunters who transport firearms for permitted activities. The changes aim to modernize exemptions while maintaining school safety protections.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's education savings program to expand "qualified higher education expenses" to include K-12 tuition at public, private, or religious schools. It directly affects Michigan families using the state's education savings accounts who wish to cover K-12 tuition costs. The key provision changes the definition in the program's law to explicitly include tuition expenses for elementary and secondary schools, aligning with IRS Section 529(c)(7). This allows account owners to withdraw funds for K-12 education without penalty, matching the current treatment for higher education expenses under federal law. The amendment applies to all accounts established under the Michigan Education Savings Program Act.
Maddy summarySB 408 amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to update language regarding firearm restrictions in wildlife areas. It clarifies that existing exceptions for concealed pistol license holders (under MCL 28.421-28.435) and authorized carry under specific statutes (MCL 28.432a, 750.227, etc.) remain valid when transporting or carrying firearms in areas frequented by wild animals. The bill does not change general requirements for hunters or alter laws governing wildlife hunting; it only updates the legal text to reflect current concealed carry provisions. This affects hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone carrying firearms in Michigan's natural areas.
Maddy summarySB 409 updates outdated references in Michigan's criminal procedure code related to firearm sentencing. It amends specific sections (MCL 769.12, 777.11b, and 777.16m) to correct legal citations, ensuring consistency in how firearm-related sentencing guidelines are referenced. This procedural update directly affects courts, prosecutors, and legal professionals who apply these sections when handling firearm cases. The bill does not change sentencing rules or penalties, only modernizing the code's references for clarity.
Maddy summarySB 410 updates references in Michigan’s Corrections Code to reflect current law. It amends Section 33b of the 1953 Corrections Code (MCL 791.233b) by replacing outdated citations to specific sections of the Michigan Penal Code and Public Health Code with their current, amended versions. This technical correction does not change parole eligibility rules or who is affected - prisoners convicted of the listed violent crimes (e.g., assault, sexual offenses, certain firearms violations) remain ineligible for parole under the existing provisions. The bill only ensures the law references accurate, current statutes, not policy changes. It is a procedural update dependent on another bill (SB 406) passing.
Maddy summarySB 407 updates statutory references in Michigan's 1927 firearms law (MCL 28.422 et seq.) by amending specific sections (2, 2a, 5b, 5o, 12, and 15) to reflect current legal citations. It does not change firearm possession, licensing, or sales requirements but ensures the law accurately references existing statutes. This technical update aligns the 1927 law with current code sections amended by recent legislation (e.g., 2023 PA 37, 2023 PA 19). The bill affects no new groups or policies - it solely corrects outdated references in the existing legal framework.
Maddy summarySB 369 requires Michigan's Public Service Commission to create an online tool by December 31, 2026, that calculates the full lifetime cost of renewable energy projects for customers. The tool must include construction costs (like site prep, materials, grid connection) and end-of-life costs (decommissioning, disposal, site cleanup) for renewable energy systems. It directly affects utility customers by making these costs transparent over the system's operating lifetime. The bill mandates this calculation under Michigan's existing renewable energy framework without changing current energy policies.
Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment (SJR C) would require the director of Michigan's Department of Natural Resources to be elected by voters starting in 2030, replacing the current practice of gubernatorial appointment. The bill specifies that the director would serve a four-year term beginning January 1 after election, with candidates nominated by party conventions as prescribed by law. Vacancies would still be filled by a gubernatorial appointment. This change directly affects the selection process for the natural resources director position and requires voter approval to become part of the state constitution.
Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 5 is a memorial resolution honoring the life and public service of Darwin Booher, a former member of both the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives. The resolution offers tribute to his contributions and transmits copies to his family.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 320 establishes the "Student Opportunity Scholarship Act," creating a program to provide scholarships for eligible K-12 students in Michigan. The program targets students from lower-income households, those with disabilities, or children in foster care. Nonprofit Scholarship-Granting Organizations (SGOs) would administer individual Student Opportunity Scholarship (SOS) accounts, funded by tax-creditable contributions. These funds can be used for a variety of approved educational expenses, including public or nonpublic school tuition, online learning, tutoring, textbooks, and educational technology. The scholarship amounts vary based on factors like the student's current enrollment and disability status.